What Every Woman Should Know about Her Health

Calendar May 11, 2012 | Posted by laicos

We spend a lot of time around Mother's Day thinking about what makes a good gift  — flowers, breakfast in bed, a day off from chores, jewelry could all qualify. But the best gift you could give yourself or your family is the gift of health.

Mother's Day kicks off National Women's Health Week, an annual observance to empower women to make their health a top priority. It's a great time to talk to your mother or other women in your life about whether they are taking care of themselves. It's also the perfect time for you to make changes in your own life.

Need help getting started? Here's what every woman should know about her health.

  • What screenings you should have. Prevention is key for a long, healthy life. Some — mammograms and Pap tests, for example — are specific to women. But don't forget general tests for your overall health, either. Cholesterol checks, colorectal cancer screenings, blood pressure and bone marrow density all are important, though some should be done more frequently than others. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health lists screenings and applicable ages online.
  • Your family medical history. Understanding your family's medical background will help you know what you might be at risk for and if there are special precautions you should take. It could save your life or your children's lives.
  • Your mental health. Take a survey of your mindset and stress levels. Are you prone to depression? Do you have a history of eating disorders? Are you practicing good mental health habits, such as not over-committing, taking time for yourself or asking for help when you need it?
  • Your physical health. Like your family history, know your own medical history so you know what you need to concentrate on. If you struggle with high cholesterol, for example, make sure you follow an appropriate eating plan and get tested regularly. And no matter what your weight or specific health concerns, be good to yourself — do something active daily, quit smoking, use sunscreen and limit alcohol.
 

Women's Health Week is from May 13 to 19 this year. Aventura Hospital and Medical Center is proud to participate by hosting a Women's Health Symposium, a free health education event for the public, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. May 22 in the Medical Arts Building, 21110 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 101. There will be guest speakers, giveaways, refreshments and entertainment.

On a daily basis, we've made it easy for you to take charge of your health. If you are due for a mammogram, you can schedule one online now. Or call our Consult-A-Nurse service if you have health questions or need a referral to a physician. We are always available at 1-888-256-7692.

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May 6 Is National Nurses Day

Calendar May 3, 2012 | Posted by laicos

Anyone who has spent time in a hospital knows how important good, caring nurses are, which is why we at Aventura Hospital and Medical Center strive to hire the best.

We want our RNs to have the technical skills to be excellent practitioners, of course, but we also want to staff our team with nurses who are motivated, have strong decision-making abilities, can multitask with good judgment and value high standards.

Sound like a tall order? It is. And that's why we take time to recognize and praise their good work. One way is by making sure we celebrate May 6, National Nurses Day.

What Is National Nurses Day?
National Nurses Day kicks off National Nurses Week, which runs through May 12 — the birthday of Florence Nightingale. Days throughout the week also honor student nurses and school nurses.

National Nurses Week first was held in 1954, but the American Nurses Association says it did not get an official White House designation as such until 1974. New Jersey Governor Brendon Byrne was the first to declare May 6 as "Nurses Day" in 1978. In 1982, President Reagan signed a proclamation that May 6 should be "National Recognition Day for Nurses."

The theme for this year is "Nurses: Advocating, Leading, Caring."

What It Means
National Nurses Day provides time to focus on the many ways the 3.1 million registered nurses in the United States work to save lives and improve people's health.

Nurses make up the largest segment of all the health care professions. Nursing is both art and science, attracting people with varied interests and strengths because of the many opportunities. You'll find nurses in emergency rooms, school clinics, homeless shelters and more. But all share a love for their profession and a commitment to patient safety.

At Aventura, we hope that our nurses feel valued every day.Our nurses are integral in everything we do, not just taking care of oure sick. Nurses had a big influence on the design of our patient tower, for example. Beds can turn into an upright chair at the push of a button, and computers with flat-screen monitors are at the bedside in every room. Bar-coded electronic medication administration records and pneumatic tubes allow for medications to be administered right from the bedside.

So, please join us in thanking our nurses, from the ER to the OR, for everything they do to keep our community healthy.

For more information on Aventura Hospital, our state-of-the-art facilities, renowned staff and dedication to patient care, visit us here.  To schedule an appointment, call Consult-A-Nurse at 1-888-256-7692. To find out more about nursing as a career at our hospital, see this page.

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Do You Need a Bone Density Screening?

Calendar April 26, 2012 | Posted by laicos

Osteoporosis or age-related weak bone density can put you at a high risk of fracturing bones. But you don't have to wait until an accident occurs to find out how likely it is to happen to you. A bone density screening can help you learn about your risks and how to handle treatment.

Find out if a bone density screening is a good choice for you.

What Makes Me High Risk?
Osteoporosis is a disease that creates fragile bone tissues because of low bone mass and the deterioration of bone tissue, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Predominantly, women who suffer from osteoporosis are those with high-risk tendencies and should be regularly scanned for bone density levels.

You cannot feel your bones getting weaker, the osteoporosis foundation says, so you might not know you have the disease until you break a bone. High-risk groups for osteoporosis include:

  • Women aged 65 and older
  • Postmenopausal women who may have experienced bone fractures in the past
  • Smokers
  • Those who are deficient in vitamin D
  • Those with low estrogen levels
  • Those who are physically inactive

What is a Bone Density Scan?
Bone density scans use high-powered X-ray devices (sometimes referred to as DEXA) to measure bone density in the hips and spine. Other smaller devices are used to measure more minuscule bone portions, such as the fingers and wrist.

Scans that use DEXA require much less radiation exposure than typical X-rays. Also known as a bone mineral density scan, the procedure is relatively painless and only takes a few minutes to properly administer. 

What Can a Bone Density Scan Tell You?
People who have been found to have lower levels of bone mass or density at the spine and hip tend to be at increased risk for injury such as a bone fracture. Having a regular scan to measure these density levels allows you to take the necessary precautions need to keep those injuries low risk. 

The screening can help you learn if your bone density is low and predict if you will have future fractures. It can assist you and your doctor in preparing a treatment plan. If the test is repeated every couple of years, you also will be able to see if you are losing bone density or staying the same.

What Should I Do Next?
Remember that if you're in a high risk group, its best to seek out the consultation of a physician or specialist. Aventura Hospital and Medical Center offers an Osteoporosis Program designed to assist, educate and support individuals suffering from the disease. This includes diagnosis and treatment as well as bone mineral density testing. For additional information, please call at (305) 937-5802.

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How Occupational Therapy Can Help You

Calendar April 19, 2012 | Posted by laicos

With "occupation" in its name, you might assume that occupational therapy is limited to helping people return to their jobs after an illness or injury.

You would only be partially right.

Occupational therapists are instrumental in helping employees make the transition back into the workforce. But this type of rehabilitation has much broader benefits, too.

Occupational therapy can help arthritis sufferers manage their pain and learn how to use tools to perform daily tasks.

It can help people modify their homes to make them safer and easier to navigate.

It can help stroke victims learn to drive again or find transportation alternatives.

It even can help children do their homework better.

What is Occupational Therapy?
At Aventura Hospital and Medical Center, rehabilitation services are a team effort, bringing together occupational and physical therapists and, if needed,  specialists for hand therapy, speech therapy or manual lymphatic drainage.

The occupational therapy portion of the treatment teaches patients how to apply what they learn in physical therapy to their daily lives. A physical therapist may focus on strength, movement, balance and other skills. An occupational therapist, meanwhile, will build on those gains to help the patient become more self-sufficient. Both physical and occupational therapists may bring in certified hand therapists for patients with hand/wrist condition which require expertise in fine motor skills.

Occupational therapy at Aventura is available to patients recovering from strokes and or elbow/shoulder injuries as well as specific conditions, including tendonitis, lymphedema, Parkinson's disease and arthritis.

How Does It Work?
The exact course of therapy will depend on the client's specific needs. Someone who has had memory loss from a stroke, for example, will require different techniques than someone coping with arthritis. But there are similarities in the approach.

Practitioners take a holistic look at their clients, analyzing both the tasks they need to accomplish and the environment in which they perform them, according to the American Occupational Therapy Association. Typical occupational therapy services might include:

  • An evaluation to determine the person's goals
  • Intervention to improve the patient's ability to perform daily activities and overcome what may be standing in their way
  • Assessment of the home, workplace or school
  • Recommendations for and training on adaptive equipment

April is Occupational Therapy Month. To be treated at Aventura's outpatient rehabilitation center, you'll need a prescription from your physician. An intake coordinator will verify your insurance and schedule an appointment. For more information, call (305) 937-5802 or visit us online.

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The Latest in Orthopedics

Calendar April 11, 2012 | Posted by laicos

It is an exciting time for orthopedic doctors and patients! New procedures are constantly being developed and perfected so our patients can find comfort again after severe pain in the knees, hips, or other joints. When was the last time you reviewed your options for orthopedic treatment? Learn more about how we can help improve your day-to-day life, free of pain.

Conformis Partial Knee Replacement
If you're getting a partial knee replacement, you'll be most comfortable with a replacement that's individualized just for you. Don't settle for an ill-fitting standardized part. Every knee is different, and the best solution is a customized piece specially designed for your own knee. We can create the perfect partial knee replacement after taking images of your knee and creating a 3D model for fitting.

Anterior Hip Approach
Hip replacement surgery has become much easier thanks to the anterior hip approach. This procedure causes less blood loss, creates smaller incisions, decreases the risk of post-surgery infection, and gives patients smaller, less noticeable scarring than they would experience from a traditional hip replacement. Recovery time is often shorter and less painful because no muscles are cut or detached during the surgery. If you are experiencing daily hip pains that disrupt your life, ask your doctor if you are a good candidate for the anterior hip approach.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
If you suffer from back pain, you may be surprised to learn that minimally invasive techniques are available for some spine procedures. For instance, our team can treat spinal stenosis using endoscopic surgery, which requires only a tiny incision. This approach allows for less pain and a quicker recovery time, allowing you to get back to the things you love.

Learn more about what our Orthopedic & Spine Institute can do for you by visiting our website. Our new 10th-floor expansion is now complete and provides state-of-the-art technology for all your orthopedic needs. This 30,000-square-foot post-operative patient care unit offers 42 private rooms with family-friendly built-in day beds, an on-unit rehabilitation gym, a patient dining room and free Wi-Fi.

If you have any questions or need a physician referral, contact our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7692. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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It’s National Public Health Week!

Calendar April 4, 2012 | Posted by Aventura Hospital and Medical

Here at Aventura Hospital and Medical Center, we take pride in observing National Public Health Week. In 1995, former president Bill Clinton declared the first full week of April as National Public Health Week, spotlighting the achievements and strides made in the public health industry, as well as bringing a sharp focus to constantly improving public health and safety. 

Our focus at Aventura Hospital is to bring to you the highest possible quality of health and safety resources. Our medical center boasts a robust variety of departments and specialized services, all with one solitary goal in mind: to meet your health needs at every stage of your life. 

Just like the American Public Health Association, we strive to protect our patients, prevent disease, and help our community live well. 

Some of our specialties include: behavioral health services, cancer care, specialized diabetes program, emergency care, heart and vascular, international hospital services, orthopedics & spine, wound management and a 24/7 Consult-A-Nurse medical advice and physician referral service. We also offer an ongoing schedule of community health education programs.

Being 100% committed to our patients' health, we do our very best to make the patient experience at Aventura Hospital as smooth and frictionless as possible. We gladly accept many forms of insurance and are willing to work closely with patients regarding billing and financing. You can find many of our patient resources online, such as easy bill pay, maps and directions, and community partnerships. 

As you take this week to think about the importance of public health, remember that you're not alone. The team at Aventura Hospital is ready to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with any and all of your health care needs. 

For more information on Aventura Hospital, our state-of-the-art health care facilities, renowned staff and dedication to patient care, visit us online. To schedule an appointment, just call Consult-A-Nurse at 1-800-256-7692. 

 

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Celebrating National Doctors’ Day: March 30

Calendar March 28, 2012 | Posted by Aventura Hospital and Medical

When you think of doctors, you may remember the pediatrician you had growing up, or may also consider a surgeon who performed an important procedure or a cardiologist who helps you manage a heart condition. You may even think of an oncologist who has guided you or a loved one in a battle against cancer. No matter what physician you focus on, you likely consider this person to be a trusted ally in your health care journey.

With these medical professionals in mind, Aventura Hospital and Medical Center is proud to honor them and the work they do. On March 30, we celebrate National Doctors' Day, a day that  is set aside to appreciate the efforts that doctors make every day.

National Doctors' Day dates back to 1933. Eudora Brown Almond, whose husband was Dr. Charles B. Almond, had the idea to mark a day to honor physicians. The tradition was first honored by sending greeting cards to physicians and placing flowers on the graves of doctors who had passed away. Then in 1958, the U.S. House of Representatives adopted a resolution to commemorate Doctors' Day. Decades later, the House and the Senate approved legislation to establish National Doctors' Day, and President George H. W. Bush signed it into law on October 30, 1990.

Today, the National Doctors' Day Organization raises awareness and encourages people to honor their physicians. How can you do that? Take time to tell your doctors how much you appreciate their advice and good judgment. Send a card or an email, or talk to them in person at your next appointment. 

At Aventura Hospital, we boast some of the best physicians in the nation. We offer specialists in oncology, cardiology, orthopedics, behavioral health, and many other fields. You can count on them to carefully assess your condition and provide the high-quality care you require.

If you need a physician referral or want help scheduling an appointment with one of our doctors, just give us a call. The Consult-A-Nurse staff is available 24 hours a day and can be reached at 1-888-256-7692. 

 

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Top Tips for Coping with Springtime Allergies

Calendar March 21, 2012 | Posted by Aventura Hospital and Medical

With our warm weather, it can feel like springtime for months in South Florida. However, as the seasons change, different plants bloom and allergies can worsen. Watery eyes, congested sinuses, coughing fits–these are all sure signs that you are dealing with springtime allergies. 

What are spring allergies?
Indoor and outdoor allergic symptoms may occur with springtime allergies. Some common allergic triggers are dust mites, hay fever, spores, tree bark, pollen, pet dander and grass. As many as 40 million people are harshly affected by springtime allergies yearly. 

Allergic symptoms
Common symptoms of springtime allergies may include bouts of asthma, watery/stinging eyes, congested chest, sinus infections, coughing, headaches and nasal irritation. For some people, the asthmatic symptoms are worse than the others. It's important to speak with your doctor about your allergies to make sure you get a head start on dealing with them during season's peak. 

Managing allergies
For seasonal allergies, there are ways to keep your symptoms at bay. If you know your area gets hit with pollen or ragweed at a certain time of year, you can be sure to have allergy medication on hand. Also, if you happen to see an allergist or specialist about your allergies, you may be able to receive allergy shots that help prevent harsh allergic reactions during the peak season. 

Aside from medicine, there are other precautions you can take to help prevent allergy attacks this spring.

  • Remember that pollen levels peak in the early morning and evening, so make sure you plan your outdoor schedule accordingly to avoid exposure.
  • Close your windows and doors and make use of a filtered, allergy-friendly air conditioner to cool off your home.
  • Steer clear of fresh cut grass if you can help it.
  • Understand that pollen clings to your hair and clothes. Make sure you bath daily and wash your laundry often to avoid buildup of pollen and potential allergy attacks. 

For more information, consult the Health Library at Aventura Hospital and Medical Center.

Have you seen a specialist yet? Remember that the best way to deal with your springtime allergies is to work with your physician. For a physician referral, feel free to call our  Consult-A-Nurse service today at 888-256-7692.

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The Best Ways to Stay Active as You Age

Calendar March 14, 2012 | Posted by Aventura Hospital and Medical

Let's face it: as you get older, so does your body! You may not be able to do as many things as you  used to a few years back. Yet you still have a desire to stay in shape and be active. Below are just a few healthy ways to achieve that. 

Walking. Walking is one of the healthiest habits to adopt for people of all ages. Walking not only burns calories and keeps you in shape, but it also promotes excellent heart health. Try partnering up with a friend or spouse to go walking each day. 

Swimming. This is a powerhouse exercise for a lot of reasons. No matter what your age, you can always go for a swim. Swimming strengthens a variety of muscles in different ways. You will burn calories fast, as well as increase your stamina, by going for regular swims. 

Yoga. Sign up for a local yoga class and experience a total mind/body practice. Yoga helps you balance yourself physically and mentally, sharpening your brain while shedding calories. Also, yoga can be very gentle physically, which accommodates people of many backgrounds and skill levels.

Biking. Biking is an excellent way to spend an afternoon with a friend or loved one, and it offers incredible cardiovascular opportunities. Not only is it a fun means of travel, but it can boost your mood and keep your weight in check.

Strength Training. While it may become increasingly more difficult to lift heavy weights, strength training is an important part of any exercise routine. Strength training can be used with light-weight dumbbells and machines. Try timing yourself instead of completing rep sets, and see how much you can get done.

A healthy diet is just as important as exercise as we get older. By eating right and exercising consistently, you will have better heart health and feel great!

Want more information? Aventura Hospital and Medical Center can help. A great resource is H2U, a program that is designed especially for health-conscious people. For more information or to get a physician referral, call our Consult-A-Nurse service at 1-888-256-7692.

 

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What Is Prediabetes?

Calendar March 7, 2012 | Posted by Aventura Hospital and Medical

If you've noticed that your blood glucose levels have been abnormally up since your last checkup, you may be developing prediabetes. Prediabetes is a condition that results when blood glucose levels spike from the normal reading but aren't high enough to be considered diabetic. Those who are prediabetic have a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

Symptoms
There are three major tests your physician can utilize to determine if you are experiencing prediabetes. These tests are A1C test, the fast plasma glucose test and the oral glucose tolerance test. Your doctor can determine if you fall into the danger zone of prediabetes and advise certain changes to be made that can help return your blood glucose levels to normal readings. 

Risk Factors
Age and weight are both risk factors. The older you get, the higher of a risk of developing diabetes. Adults ages 45 years and older should get regularly checked for prediabetes. If you're overweight at any age, you should be checked for prediabetes during your next medical exam. Keep in mind the following risk factors: 

  • High blood pressure
  • High levels of unhealthy cholesterol
  • A family medical history of diabetes
  • Belonging to an ethnic group that's high risk for diabetes 

Prevention and Treatment
To prevent prediabetes, nutrition is very important. Make sure you eat lots of fruits and vegetables daily, as well as lean sources of protein. A balanced diet can go a long way to prevent diabetes. Exercise is also very important. Try to squeeze in 20 minutes a day of exercise and cardio aerobics. If you are overweight, weight loss is vital to preventing diabetes from developing. Losing 7% or more of total body weight can promote better cardiovascular health, as well as assist in preventing diabetic conditions. 

If diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you'll need to practice excellent glucose control and have regular medical checkups, as well as possibly administer insulin treatments. It's best if you consult your trusted physician on further treatment methods. For more information on prediabetes, diabetes, prevention and treatment visit us online at Aventura Hospital & Medical Center. You can also call our Consult-A-Nurse service anytime at 888-256-7692. 

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